By: Saziye Gourley-Ozhayta Photo by: Saziye Gourley-Ozhayta
As over 117 Milligan students stood against slavery around the clock for 27 hours, one student decided to stand for the entire time.
On March 5 at 2 p.m., students started entering SUB-7 for a time of standing, silence and recognition of the fight against human trafficking.
Sophomore Jenevieve Buehrens stood for the entire 27 hours. Even with two midterm exams to take the next day, she still desired to stand.
“If I believe in something I pursue it, plain and simple. If I am going to do something, I am going to do it all of the way,” she said.
“Slavery of any kind is something that I am passionate about and it goes to show that from this event, I am not the only one.”
With multiple videos shown to represent slavery that is happening all over the globe, a sense of sorrow and humility surrounded the room.
Darryl Collins spoke on how the prominence of slavery and how it can be stopped one step at a time.
Jeff Preptit and Alex Glaize both shared the stories of people they knew that were slaves.
Ernesto Villarreal closed the meeting with a prayer and an encouragement for us to be vocal and go out.
The “Stand” continued to flourish throughout March 6 as students wanted to show how they cared.
At 5 p.m., students gathered in SUB-7 for a celebration with Chick-Fil-A as well as cake.
SGA President Danica Collins said the event raised over $400 for the International Justice Mission.
“We are going to continue following the movement and aiding in what ways we can. Since I am passing the torch after elections in April, the future action will be in the hands of the 2013-2014 SGA,” Collins said.
“I do hope they plan something annually,” Collins continues, “because ending slavery will take perseverance. Personally I plan to take on slavery and find new outlets and avenues to help.”
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